I have been depressed and am wondering are there any medically prescribed drugs I can take that will make me feel better?
I am thinking of going to Yoga and exercising etc as well.
Lived in a very isolated region for 6 months in a new job, was very socially isolated, under job pressure, no stability and few friends up there-so have moved back to Sydney to be with family and friends again.
Had a depression about 12 years ago(family problems), burnt myself out from another job 1.5 years ago through taking on too much extra workload and study on top of full time shift work.
Now back in Sydney, temporarily unemployed, looking for the right full time job, but still feeling down. Depressed, lazy...have a lot of things to do. Need motivation to start exercise/fitness program...need a lift so to speak.
Good to catch up with family and friends again but being temporarily unemployed is sapping me re job, career, money.
Feel like it's time to settle down but don't have the experience etc and feel too old(33) to move into some careers. No experience, career etc...friends are all settled down, married, career established...I am jobless, no career, living at home with parents.
Did way too much study, so am fairly multi-skilled but also feel over-qualified, just tired and exhausted overall.
Tired,down,depressed.Trying to feel better, more positive and motivated. Just wish there was some tablet and quick/easy solution I could take to be happy again- prozac? Should I see a doctor to get a subscription? What about St Johns Wart?
Hi and thanks for contacting us. You have certainly undergone some changes recently and it sounds like you have been stressed and down for some time now and are perhaps at a crossroads in your life.
Just to answer the first question you posed, yes, there are antidepressant medicines that your doctor can prescribe for depression. The most important thing now is for you to get to a doctor for an assessment. There are several options for the treatment of depression; this can involve medicines, talking therapies and sometimes both of these in combination. A GP can make an initial assessment and advise you on the options that are best for you. Clearly there are additional stressors such as unemployment that will need to be addressed as well.
People who are depressed often struggle with poor motivation, low energy, poor concentration, and ongoing low mood. These symptoms can make it tough to start and maintain an exercise routine or a job for that matter. So it’s very important that you get help soon. When you feel better you will be able to deal with the issues in your life that are overwhelming you at the moment.
If you are able to motivate yourself to exercise or do yoga, there is no doubt that this will have many positive health benefits for you. However, this in itself is not a cure for depression. With regards to ‘over-the counter’ remedies, it is never a good idea to start a treatment, herbal or otherwise, unless you have been advised to do so by a doctor.
So, for your last question, yes, please see a doctor. Remember, if you are diagnosed with depression you need to set realistic expectations of treatment. There really is no ‘quick fix’. Even if you are stared on medication, it is likely to be a few weeks before you begin to feel really well again. Also, it will be important to deal with your other stressors and perhaps a counselor can help with that.
We wish you everything of the best.